At $9,900/yr net price, SUNY Old Westbury graduates earn $58,526/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,526/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,900 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,526/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,526/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,997 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,890/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,149/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,294/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,835/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,451/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $61,814 | $20,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,415 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,742 | $15,250 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $46,478 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,363 | $14,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $38,505 | $18,000 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $34,621 | $15,517 |
The Risk Factor
46.6% of students at SUNY Old Westbury graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
SUNY Old Westbury offers a decent financial return for a regional public university, though your success depends heavily on your major choice and ability to graduate. The median 10-year earnings of $58,526 provide solid value against the $9,900 annual net price, but the 46% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't complete your degree at all.
Teacher education delivers the strongest ROI at this campus, with graduates earning $61,814 annually. Accounting programs also perform well, with two tracks earning $56,415 and $50,742 respectively. Business administration lags considerably at $42,363, making it a weaker choice despite lower debt loads. Mental health services falls in the middle at $46,478, which may limit your ability to service student loans quickly.
Your biggest financial risk here is dropping out. Nearly half of students don't finish, and the 74% retention rate suggests many struggle through their first year. If you have weak academic preparation or limited support systems, this school poses serious completion risk that could leave you with debt but no degree.
Old Westbury works best financially if you're a strong student choosing teacher education or accounting, live locally to minimize housing costs, and can handle the support systems needed to graduate. The low net price makes it affordable for middle-income families, particularly those who qualify for the substantial financial aid that nearly half of students receive.
Look elsewhere if you want business administration, need extensive academic support, or prefer smaller class sizes and higher graduation rates. The combination of modest program strength and completion risk makes this a budget choice rather than a value investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Old Westbury worth the cost for the education quality?
SUNY Old Westbury offers a low net price of $9,900 per year, but the 46.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees. The school accepts 92% of applicants, indicating lower academic standards that may affect the value of your degree.
What is the return on investment for SUNY Old Westbury graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $58,526 ten years after enrollment with typical debt of $14,997. While the debt load is manageable, the low graduation rate means significant risk that you won't complete your degree to see any return.
Which SUNY Old Westbury programs offer the best job prospects and salary potential?
Teacher education graduates earn around $61,814, making it the highest-paying program. Accounting graduates see more variable outcomes, ranging from $50,742 to $56,415, while business management graduates typically earn $42,363.
Should I attend SUNY Old Westbury if I'm concerned about student debt?
The low net price and median debt of $14,997 make SUNY Old Westbury financially accessible. However, the 46.6% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree.